Weekend Itinerary for Paris: A 2-Day Adventure in the City of Lights

Day 1: Iconic Paris and Scenic Views

Morning: Eiffel Tower & Seine River Walk

• Start your day early at the Eiffel Tower (arrive by 8:30 AM to avoid the crowds).

  • Tip: Purchase your ticket in advance to skip the line and head straight up to the second level or summit for panoramic views of the city.

• After enjoying the views, take a leisurely walk along the Seine River. Pass by Pont Alexandre III (Paris’s most ornate bridge) and head toward Île de la Cité.

  
  

  

  
  

Mid-Morning: Notre-Dame Cathedral and Île de la Cité

• Walk along the Seine to Île de la Cité to visit the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral (currently under restoration, but you can still admire its exterior and visit the nearby gardens).

• Stroll through the island and stop by the Sainte-Chapelle, known for its stunning stained glass windows.

  • Tip: The line can get long, so it’s best to visit Sainte-Chapelle right after Notre-Dame.

    
    

    

    
    

Lunch: Le Marais

• Head to the vibrant Le Marais district for lunch. Stop by a local café or grab a famous falafel at L'As du Fallafel.

  • Tip: Le Marais is a great spot for window shopping and exploring art galleries, so take some time to stroll along Rue des Francs-Bourgeois.

Afternoon: The Louvre Museum

• Spend the afternoon at the Louvre Museum, home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.

  • Tip: If you prefer a quicker visit, prioritize the museum’s highlights and follow one of the Louvre’s suggested routes (1-2 hours).

• Alternatively, if you love art and have more time, you can explore different sections of the museum. Remember, the Louvre Pyramid entrance gets crowded—use the Carrousel du Louvre entrance for a faster entry.

  
  

  

  
  

Late Afternoon: Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe

• After your museum visit, take the metro or a quick walk to the Champs-Élysées.

  • Stroll down the iconic avenue, browse luxury shops, and stop for a coffee at one of the cafés along the boulevard.

• End the day by visiting the Arc de Triomphe.

  • Tip: Climb the Arc at sunset (around 6-7 PM) for breathtaking views of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower lit up in the distance.

    
    

    

    
    

Dinner: Montmartre

• In the evening, take a taxi or metro to Montmartre for dinner in a traditional French bistro.

  • After dinner, explore the cobbled streets and head up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for a night view over the city.

  • Tip: Montmartre is lively at night with street performers and musicians, so it’s a great place to soak in the local ambiance.

    
    

Day 2: Art, Culture, and Parisian Charm

Morning: Musée d'Orsay

• Begin your day at the Musée d'Orsay (opens at 9:30 AM), which houses an incredible collection of Impressionist masterpieces.

  • Tip: Arrive early to avoid the long queues, and be sure to see works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir.

Mid-Morning: Latin Quarter and Luxembourg Gardens

• After the museum, head over to the Latin Quarter. Wander its historic streets and stop by Shakespeare and Company, a famous English-language bookstore.

• Walk a short distance to the Luxembourg Gardens for a relaxing break.

  • Tip: Pack some snacks or pastries from a nearby boulangerie and enjoy a leisurely picnic in the gardens.

Lunch: Saint-Germain-des-Prés

• Make your way to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area for lunch at a local café, such as the famous Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, both known for their literary history.

  • Tip: This area is perfect for people-watching and enjoying the Parisian café culture.

Afternoon: Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

• If you didn’t fully explore Montmartre the evening before, spend the afternoon wandering its winding streets. Visit Place du Tertre, where local artists create and sell their works.

  • Tip: This is a great spot to pick up a unique souvenir or have your portrait drawn by one of the street artists.

• Head back to Sacré-Cœur Basilica (if you didn’t visit on Day 1) for a final panoramic view over Paris.

  
  

  

  
  

Optional: Visit Versailles (for art lovers with more time)

• If you’re an early riser, consider spending your Sunday morning on a half-day trip to the Palace of Versailles (40 minutes by train from Paris).

  • Tip: Book your ticket online and plan for 4-5 hours to see the palace, gardens, and Marie Antoinette’s estate.

  
  

  

  
  

Late Afternoon: Seine River Cruise

• End your 2-day trip with a Seine River cruise (book for late afternoon or early evening). You’ll see landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Musée d'Orsay from a new perspective, making for a perfect ending to your Paris visit.

  • Tip: Many river cruises include drinks or dinner, making it a relaxing and romantic way to see Paris at twilight.

    
    

    

    
    

Dinner: Le Marais or Latin Quarter

• For your final dinner, head back to Le Marais or the Latin Quarter for a more casual dining experience at one of the charming local bistros. Treat yourself to some classic French cuisine—think boeuf bourguignon or duck confit—before saying goodbye to Paris.

Conclusion: A Perfect Paris Weekend

In just two days, you’ll have seen the essential highlights of Paris, explored its charming neighborhoods, and indulged in delicious French cuisine. Whether it’s the majestic views from the Eiffel Tower, the masterpieces of the Louvre, or the bohemian charm of Montmartre, your weekend in Paris will leave you with unforgettable memories.